#Interview #ChuMokMan

In Epidemic Hongkongers show the ability of Self-help 1/2

(12 Feb) The Wuhan Pneumonia epidemic continues spreading rapidly. Even the 7-month long wave of the Anti-Extradition Movement needs to shift its focus towards the epidemic. One of the advocates who successfully helped pass the Human Rights and Democracy Act of the US is Hong Kong Democracy Council (HKDC) managing director Samuel CHU Mok-man. He thinks that the Five Demands have not been forgotten. Rather, the epidemic is letting the world see through the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and understand how their system's lack of transparency and democratic accountability put the world in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Hongkongers demonstrated their aptitude to save themselves in the "7-month drill". HKDC joined forces with overseas Hongkonger organisations to help Demosistō purchase 100,000 masks to aid Hongkongers' fight against the epidemic. "The Anti-Extradition Movement has built an immensely strong base among the people. When the virus invaded, the general public turned their anger into actions of political pressure and demands for accountability."

"Be Water" is the core spirit of the Anti-Extradition Movement. Samuel believes that confronting the CCP is like confronting the virus. Eventually, saving our Hong Kong will require getting our own hands dirty and adapting to changing circumstances like water.

Source: Stand News

#SelfHelp #Coronavirus #AntiELAB #FiveDemands #BeWater

⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️ Continue reading:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/18172

#Interview #ChuMokMan

In Epidemic Hongkongers show the ability of Self-help 2/2

Anti-Extradition Movement refines Hongkongers' capability for self-reliance

(12 Feb) Presently, the world is preparing to battle the Wuhan Pneumonia. Samuel feels that many mainland Chinese residents are angry with their government for failing to control the epidemic and especially for arresting one of the whistleblowers, known as the "Eight Warriors", for spreading rumours. Wuhan Central Hospital ophthalmologist LI Wenliang died of Wuhan Pneumonia just days ago. A large number of netizens held vigils online. Many scholars even called for 6 Feb to be designated as National Freedom of Speech Day, emphasising "no safety without freedom of speech". It caused a ripple effect. "This incident allowed the world to see more clearly how the lack of transparency and democratic accountability caused the epidemic to spread around the globe."

Having gone through seven months of protests, Hongkongers are now trained in "alternative resistance". Faith in the government tossed aside, they had no second thoughts in using "self-help" when the virus wreaked havoc. Some shops purchased large quantities of masks to meet the urgent demands of the general public. Enterprises even invested in mask production lines to enable "self-sufficient" epidemic control. Health care and aviation sectors took turns with labour strikes to pressure the government to close the borders and save Hong Kong. The government turned Fai Ming Estate and Jao Tsung-I Academy into quarantine camps. Respectively, Fanling and Mei Foo residents demonstrated in opposition. Even the "blue ribbon" elderly took to the streets and joined in the blockade for the first time.

Samuel pointed out that Hongkongers have learned to organise and protest during the Anti-Extradition Movement. The response to the epidemic crisis is just another stage of evolution.

"This is civic, democratic participation. The Anti-Extradition Movement has established a strong base among the people. When the virus crisis hit, the public turned anger into action. They used political pressure and demanded accountability. This is the vibrant mobilisation of civil society.... Be Water, evolve."

Source: The Stand News
https://bit.ly/2To84xr

#SelfHelp #Coronavirus #BeWater #FreedomOfSpeech #CCP

#Interview #ChuMokMan

Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act Pusher - Chu Mok Man

//over the past 30 years, whenever a large-scale democracy movement took place in Hong Kong like the million people against Article 23 in 2003 and the Umbrella Movement in 2014, the international community would pay attention. Hongkonger civil society would go to Washington to lobby.

//"Without money to hire professional lobbyist, what can one do?" Samuel's answer is to build his political power, familiarise himself with the "rules of the game" in political procedures, and motivate himself to advocate for agendas requiring attention.

//A lobbyist and their target could unexpectedly switch roles and become the helper.

//"I didn’t need to persuade her; I just brought up this memory. This is a part of her political and personal life."

//"This NBA incident made average Americans understand what it was like to be bullied by China." The police brutality and injustices from the past few months are naturally vivid in the minds of Hongkongers but are very remote to the general American populace. To gain their support and put pressure on Congress, it must be relevant to their daily lives and interests.

//HKDC can help Americans and the Congress understand why they should not be passive bystanders.

Full translation:
https://telegra.ph/In-Epidemic-Hongkongers-show-the-ability-of-Self-help-03-05

Source: Stand News
https://bit.ly/2To84xr

#HKHRDA #NBA #USCongress #SelfHelp